FAINTING

Symptom Definition

Fainting (passing out) is when a person loses consciousness for a short amount of time. Usually the person falls to the ground or slumps over.
Awakens in less than 1 minute.

FIRST AID Advice for Fainting

Lie down with feet elevated.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR FAINTING

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

Still unconscious after 1 minute has passed
Difficult to awaken or acting confused
Very weak (can't stand)
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Lips or face are bluish now
Heart is beating irregularly or very fast (i.e. "palpitations")
Heart is beating too slowly (i.e. less than 60 beats per minute)
Any bleeding (including vomiting blood, blood in stool, or vaginal bleeding)
Black bowel movements
Muscle jerking or shaking during fainting
History of heart problems or congestive heart failure
Pregnant or possibly pregnant
Any head or face injury
Signs of dehydration (e.g. no urine in more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.)
Occurred during exercise
Age greater than 50
New-onset pale skin (pallor)
Fainting twice in one day

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Fainting occurs and afterwards you don't feel perfectly well

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think you need to be seen

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Fainting is a recurrent problem

Self Care at Home If

Simple faint due to stress, pain, prolonged standing, or suddenly standing up and you now feel completely fine, and you don't think you need to be seen

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SIMPLE FAINT

Rest: Lie down with feet elevated for 10 to 20 minutes. (Reason: simple fainting is due to temporarily decreased blood flow to the brain.)
Sugar: Drink some fruit juice, especially if you have missed a meal or have not eaten in more than 6 hours.
Fluids: In hot weather, drink several glasses of cold water and apply a cold wet washcloth to the forehead.
Prevention: For fainting associated with prolonged standing, eat more salty foods and drink more fluids every day.
Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
Call Your Doctor If:
- You pass out again on the same day
- You are pregnant
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 10/2005

Revised 7/2004

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